Your Mail: On corrections officers

During the week of July 21-27, people across Louisiana will join together to recognize the great work that Louisiana Probation and Parole Officers do for the public safety of Louisiana citizens. In addition, these dedicated public servants change lives and build futures for the individuals under supervision in the hopes of re-uniting families and reducing recidivism.

Today in America, there are over 5 million adults on community supervision and these individuals are supervised by probation and parole officers. There are almost 5,000 probationers and parolees currently under supervision in the parishes of Rapides, Avoyelles, Grant, LaSalle, Catahoula and Concordia parishes. Monitoring of these offenders takes the form of home and employment contacts, drug testing, making sure the offender attends counseling and treatment sessions, the collection of restitution monies from the offenders for the victims of their crimes, and helping the offenders to find suitable housing and employment.

Many officers also supervise offenders using electronic and GPS monitoring equipment which requires expert knowledge of newer technologies. Probation and parole officers also supervise many serious types of cases including those individuals who commit violent crimes and sex crimes.

Community corrections also has been affected by the downturn in the economy. Budget shortfalls mean that probation and parole professionals must be creative in finding solutions to make sure those they supervise have the support and guidance they need to find jobs, housing and treatment to avoid repeating their offenses.

Members of our community are encouraged to join together during Probation and Parole Supervision Week to honor those probation and parole officers who work to make our communities a safer place to live.

For additional information about this week and about the profession, contact Michael D. Wynne, district administrator, at the Alexandria District Office of Probation & Parole at (318) 487-5301, or go to www.corrections.state.la.us.

Michael D. Wynne

Alexandria

ADVERTISEMENT

ADVERTISEMENT

ADVERTISEMENT

Email this article

Your Mail: On corrections officers

During the week of July 21-27, people across Louisiana will join together to recognize the great work that Louisiana Probation and Parole Officers do for the public safety of Louisiana citizens.